Essay: Research and write about a Christmas and/or Hanukkah tradition in another part of the world.

Essay: Research and write about Kwanzaa, a week-long holiday honoring African culture and traditions that falls between December 26th and January 1st.

Essay: Research and write about Hanukkah, an eight-day celebration that commemorates the re-dedication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem when Jews rose up against Greek-Syrian oppressors in the Maccabean Revolt.

Essay: Why is Christmas/Hanukkah/Kwanzaa celebrated?

How important do you think presents are to give during the holidays?

Essay: What are some of the best gifts you have ever received for Hanukkah? How do you think these gifts differ from the ones that kids receive on Christmas?

Nonfiction: The menorah is the major symbol of Hanukkah and it demonstrates how the small amount of oil was able to light the holy temple for eight whole nights. Have you ever had something last much longer than you expected it to? How grateful were you that it lasted so long?

Nonfiction: How would you best describe the holiday of Hanukkah to someone who has never heard of it before?

Nonfiction: What is the importance of singing the blessings over the lighting of the menorah?

Nonfiction: How would you explain the blessings to someone who doesn’t understand Hebrew?